Berko Electric Toe-Space Heaters Recalled Due to Fire Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Products: Toe-Space Electric Heaters
Units: About 84,000
Manufacturer: Berko Electric, of Peru, Ind., now known as Marley Engineered Products, of Bennettsville, S.C.
Hazard: If the fan stops working and the heater continues to run, the unit can overheat, posing a fire hazard.
Incidents/Injuries: Marley has received 29 reports of fires resulting inproperty damage. No injuries have been reported.
Description: The recall involves electric, toe-space heaters typically installed in kitchens and bathrooms at floor level in the recessed space under cabinets.

The recall includes Berko Electric catalog numbers TS,TS-1 and TS-1A and Emerson Electric "Chromalox Comfort Heating" and"Environmental Products" catalog number KSH2000. The heater is controlled by a wall thermostat or a thermostat mounted on the front of the heater. The heater has a removable, black metal grille that measures 23 1/2 -inches wide and 3 1/2 -inches tall with five sets of openings, each with seven horizontal louvers.

Sold by: Berko Electric wholesale distributors nationwide from 1972 through February 1985 and Emerson Electric wholesale distributors from 1980 through February 1985 for between $70 and $170.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately turn off the heater at thethermostat and, if possible, at the home's circuit breaker or fuse. Consumers should contact Marley to determine if they have a recalled heater and for further instructions.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call Marley at (800) 642-4328 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.berkomep.com/ts.htm